Add a bookmark

Can an employer dock the pay of an employee who has arrived at work late the morning after the company Christmas party?

If an employer wishes to be able to make deductions from employees' pay in the event that they turn
up for work late the morning after the company Christmas party, it
should include the right to do this in its contracts of
employment. An alternative would be to ensure that the employees in question have, in advance of the party, signed a
separate document that clearly indicates their agreement to a quantifiable
deduction being made in these specific circumstances.

Another possible course of action for the
employer would be for it to make it clear to staff in advance of the Christmas
party that disciplinary action will be taken against any employee who fails to
turn up, or turns up late, the day after the Christmas party and there is
reason to believe that the non-attendance/lateness is due to over-consumption
of alcohol. It is also advisable for employers to make sure that plenty of food
and non-alcoholic drinks are available at the party itself.

Get in touch

Connect with us

The materials and information included in the XpertHR service are provided for reference purposes only. They are not intended either as a substitute for professional advice or judgment or to provide legal or other advice with respect to particular circumstances. Use of the service is subject to our terms and conditions.

Reed Business Information Limited trading as XpertHR is an Appointed Representative of Abbey Protection Group Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.